Includes my art process, art shows, new ideas, products that are released into stores, artists I admire, and printable art that is free to download (free printable coloring pages, etc.). Your feedback is always welcome.
Just shipped out a new collection of analog collage portraits for the upcoming show at Tiny Gallery, Montclair, NJ. This exhibit will be even more special as it was invited to be a part of the Garden State Art Weekend!
Save the date for this very special art show featuring over 100 works by Tiny Gallery artists. Saturday, April 20, 12-6pm. 8 Stanford Place, Montclair, NJ
The show opens this week with a reception on Saturday, August 5 from 4-7 pm.
www.touchstonegallery.com/people-and-the-planet
www.touchstonegallery.com/gallery-events/people-planet-reception (Eventbrite, Facebook, email RSVP options)
*Please note that my collage is part of the virtual exhibition at Touchstone Gallery. The physical piece is for sale at Ghost Gallery in downtown Seattle. Feel free to reach out with any questions!
The event showcased an array of stunning artwork by local artists, attracting a large crowd of art enthusiasts. It was truly heartening to witness such overwhelming support at an art opening.
I proudly contributed two pieces from my latest Transformations series, specifically my "printer's proofs," to this remarkable exhibition. In the following paragraphs, you'll find the statement I prepared for this weekend's local show...
In the collage portrait series, “Transformations,” my goal was to evoke a sense of hidden secrets beneath the surface. While deeply personal in nature, I hope these portraits inspire introspection, speculation, and a connection to the enigmatic past.
During the creative process for this exhibition, I experimented with two distinct techniques to explore the essence of antique portraiture. The first piece, titled “Octopus,” was crafted on fine art glass, reminiscent of the classic glass plate photography found in antiquity. (Subsequently, the entire series of sixteen portraits was produced using this method and is on display in Seattle, WA.)
In the case of “Collar,” I employed a traditional etching process combined with photogravure. The piece was inked with sepia inks and printed by master printer, Kathy Caraccio, on an intaglio press. (Keep an eye out for an exciting spin-off series this summer that will exclusively feature this exquisite technique!)
“Collar” from the Transformations series. Photogravure etching, Copyright Kendra Shedenhelm 2023.
“Octopus from the Transformations series. Collage on glass, Copyright Kendra Shedenhelm 2023.
This was my first solo show outside of the NYC area, and my husband and son joined me for the adventure to the West Coast. The show was hung beautifully by the curator and owner, Laurie Kearney, and we had a wonderful time in Seattle seeing old friends.
In a discussion with Laurie, I realized my focus for this series…
"I wanted something reminiscent of glass plate negatives from antique photography. I find it rich and intriguing (and a little creepy) how the process seemed to trap the spirit of the subject within the plate itself.
Additionally, not only am I hoping each portrait has a bit of the spirit of the transforming humanoid-creature, I'm hoping the viewer might also ask ‘Who took this portrait, and why?’
And, ‘Who loved them enough to keep it?’”
Promo for the “Transformations” art show at Ghost Gallery, Seattle
The show is up through June 5, 2023. If you can’t make it in person, there is an online preview (with purchase options) here: https://ghostgallery.org/collections/kendra-shedenhelms-transformations-a-collage-story . You can also see some cool videos on the Ghost Gallery IG page, such as this one: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cr6_3iRpH8U/